Let me tell you, when the weather outside gets chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of cheddar broccoli potato soup to wrap your hands around! This soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. I remember one particularly cold evening, I whipped up a batch of this delightful soup after coming in from the freezing rain. The moment I inhaled that rich, cheesy aroma, I knew I was in for a treat. With each spoonful, the combination of tender broccoli, fluffy potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese made me feel like I was being wrapped in a cozy blanket.
What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just about 40 minutes, you can have a warming meal on the table that’s perfect for family dinners or a simple weeknight indulgence. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, which makes it a great option for everyone! Trust me, once you try this cheddar broccoli potato soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, especially on those cold, rainy days.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your creamy, comforting cheddar broccoli potato soup. I promise, you’ll love how easy they are to find! Here’s what you need:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, but fresh is always better!)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (I usually go for Yukon Gold for their creamy texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better—trust me!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds great flavor, so don’t skip this!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought works fine)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives it a nice creaminess; you can use plant-based milk if you’d like)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for that rich, buttery flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key!)
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking—chop, dice, and measure out your ingredients so you can enjoy the process without any last-minute scrambling!
How to Prepare Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious cheddar broccoli potato soup! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming pot of comfort waiting for you in no time.
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
First things first, let’s get that flavor base going! In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s the perfect start!
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil—watch it bubble away! Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which usually takes around 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally and check for doneness; you want them soft but not mushy!
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Now it’s time to add some color and nutrition! Carefully stir in the broccoli florets, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Remember, you don’t want to overcook the broccoli; we want it to keep that fresh crunch and vibrant color!
Step 4: Incorporate Milk and Cheese
Alright, let’s make this soup super creamy! Lower the heat slightly and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Just a little tip: keeping the heat low is crucial here to prevent the milk from curdling—nobody wants that!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season! Taste your soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. Once everything is well combined and flavorful, ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle some more cheddar on top as a garnish. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite of your homemade cheddar broccoli potato soup!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into each bowl of this cheddar broccoli potato soup! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. But one thing’s for sure—this soup is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients that will warm you right up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients and hearty vegetables.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, perfect for meal prep!
- Kid-approved, making it a hit for the whole family!
Tips for Success
Want to take your cheddar broccoli potato soup to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips to help you achieve that perfect bowl every time!
- Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker consistency, try blending a portion of the soup after cooking and then returning it to the pot. This adds a lovely creamy texture while still keeping some chunks for that hearty feel.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes make a world of difference in flavor. If you can get your hands on them, go for fresh—your taste buds will thank you!
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Just be sure they melt well for that gooey goodness!
- Herb It Up: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the flavor of your soup. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh burst!
- Adjust the Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth or even chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegetarian. It adds depth that makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep an eye on your broccoli while it cooks—it should be tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. Overcooked broccoli can lose its lovely green color and fresh flavor.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjusting the salt and pepper throughout cooking helps you achieve that perfect balance of flavors without overwhelming the dish.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to create a cheddar broccoli potato soup that warms the heart and delights the palate. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to shake things up a bit with your cheddar broccoli potato soup, there are so many fun variations you can try! Here are a few ideas to customize the flavor profile and make this soup your own:
- Veggie Medley: Toss in other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can elevate the flavor. Add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep their vibrant taste.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the cheese. It’ll give your soup a delightful zing!
- Cheese Swap: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Mix in some Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor that can really change the game!
- Creamy Coconut: For a different creaminess, substitute half of the milk with coconut milk. This will give your soup a subtle sweetness and a tropical touch!
- Protein Boost: Add some cooked shredded chicken or white beans for extra protein. It makes the soup heartier and even more filling!
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in some smoked paprika or a bit of bacon for a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
With these variations, you can keep your cheddar broccoli potato soup exciting and new every time you make it. So go ahead, experiment a little—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of that delicious cheddar broccoli potato soup? Don’t worry, storing it is super simple! Just let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I love using glass containers because they don’t hold onto odors and they look great in the fridge!
If you want to keep it even longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It will be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just label the bags with the date so you can keep track of when you made it—trust me, it’s handy to know!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat the soup is on the stovetop over low heat. This helps maintain that creamy texture we all love. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If it seems a bit thick after freezing, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up as you warm it. You can also reheat it in the microwave; just be sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters and stir halfway through for even heating.
And voilà! You’ve got a delicious bowl of cheddar broccoli potato soup ready to warm you up again. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Classic Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: 5 Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and hearty cheddar broccoli potato soup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in milk and cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
- Garnish with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheddar broccoli potato soup